Paul's Story

Paul, Accra, Ghana 

Like so many others, Paul's parents simply could not afford to keep him, so he was sent to live with a cousin.  But he found himself unwanted and abused. Tired of being starved and beaten, he ran away to the streets of Accra seeking survival.  He was only 13, alone and frightened. He tells us, "The hardest part was the bullying and the violence. You would work, but gangs would come and threaten you or worse, and take your money away again; I had no future."

The turning point came when Paul was befriended by a street worker. He was invited to a drop in centre, where he sampled skills training, quickly developing an interest in car mechanics. 

Paul undertook a 3 year apprenticeship, during which, funding from Street Child Africa provided him with tools and a place to stay, counselling to help him adjust to his new life, and mediation with businesses to help him find employment. He is now running a car body workshop with two other ex street boys. 

Paul says "I have a room of my own and a place to lay my head. I am respected as a working man. I appreciate the help I have received and the joy of being employed."